Allegiant- Veronica Roth

Hardcover: 544 pages

Book Summary:

What if your whole world was a lie? What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything? What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected? The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

My Thoughts:

I wish I could go back and tell all whom I suggested to read the Divergent series that I retract my suggestion.  That is what I thought last night when I FINALLY finished Allegiant. I could not have picked a worse ending to a series that I love. (Ok, maybe that is a bit dramatic, but REALLY MISSES ROTH) Even though I feel that this series ended terribly and I didn’t get the feel good… “Happily ever after” I was hoping for I do think Roth did a good job tying up those loose ends and giving us some semblance of closure. My other grip in this last book is that she took 500 pages to explain something totally new and then gave us 44 pages to say goodbye. I loved Divergent and Insurgent but was more than disappointed in the poor writing and uncreative way that Allegiant was written.

Que Sera, Sera… onto the next book!

Happy Reading, Loves

                           Jaime 

This is my confession...

A Blonde Ambition

A.  I CAN NOT wait for the Bestie time I have scheduled this weekend! That whole her sustaining a life kind of puts a kink in the ol social arena, so when her hubs wanted to go hunting I jumped at the chance to babysit!!! I am excited to just trade war stories from the last two weeks!

B. I may need to re-evaluate my "Tunes" (the playlist I most listen to) playlist. I was driving home the other day listening to All Sons and Daughers' Wake Up and A$AP Rocky's Problems came on next. I judged myself.

C. I confess that I really do have the BEST job ever! High Schoolers are funny... sometimes even on purpose. I told a student the other day to stop being ornery. He then asked what that meant and I explained. He sarcastically asked if I even knew how to spell that big word. I answered him yes and said do you? He then in front of the whole class attempted... HORNEY. Only a few of us picked up on it and could not contain our laughter (yes I know I have the humor of a freshman boy)! He was pretty embarrassed when he realized what he'd done. Needless to say he has not been too ornery since! (Got to love that Oklahoma accent changing how phonetically words are spelled!)

D. I am fully aware that this is stereotypical "white girl" but I just adore FALL!! I can't wait till it actually feels like it here!

I Wore Yoga Pants to Work

Make it a great one, Sugars

                     Jaime 

Get your groove on and confess...

It's Confessional Friday y'all...

A Blonde Ambition

1. I am SO exhausted. It's a good exhausted though. I feel like my friends all got together and decided to have life milestones the same week! WHAT A FUN WEEK THOUGH!!! 

My Little's Rehearsal Dinner

At my Little's Wedding 

Kross, my Bestie's newest addition

2. I am SSSOOO ready for Fall. Y'all it is still averaging in the 90s in Oklahoma and this girl is ready for some boots and sweaters!

3. I am saddened by the SI articles covering OSU football. Saddened that their "journalism" would be so poor. Most of all I am saddened at the fact that the coach that all of accusations happened under is STILL coaching and NO ONE is investigating him. 

4. I am GIDDY that the new Kings of Leon album comes out next week! There may be some fangirling from me on Tuesday!

5. I just downloaded the new iPhone update. Jury is still out but I will say it just reminds me of how much I hate change. 

Now lets groove...

I Wore Yoga Pants to Work 

The first artist holds a special place in my heart! He's a former student and OH SO talented!!! Buy his EP on iTunes... its incredible

Have a wonderful weekend, Sugars

                      Jaime 

The Spectacular Now -Tim Tharp

• Paperback: 304 pages

Book Summary:
SUTTER KEELY. HE’S the guy you want at your party. He’ll get everyone dancing. He’ ll get everyone in your parents’ pool. Okay, so he’s not exactly a shining academic star. He has no plans for college and will probably end up folding men’s shirts for a living. But there are plenty of ladies in town, and with the help of Dean Martin and Seagram’s V.O., life’s pretty fabuloso, actually.
Until the morning he wakes up on a random front lawn, and he meets Aimee. Aimee’s clueless. Aimee is a social disaster. Aimee needs help, and it’s up to the Sutterman to show Aimee a splendiferous time and then let her go forth and prosper. But Aimee’s not like other girls, and before long he’s in way over his head. For the first time in his life, he has the power to make a difference in someone else’s life—or ruin it forever.

My thoughts: 
So, full disclosure I read about this book in a Style magazine. I know, VAPID much! I saw that Tim Tharp was the author and knowing that he is an Oklahoma boy I knew I should a least check it out! And I am SO thankful I did! What am incredible book! When reading the book back summary I was thinking this may be a little too cliche. It was and then it wasn't. You literally want to strangle Sutter at pretty much every point of the book and you also want to slap some sense into Sutter and Aimee. This book made me grateful for the high school experience that I had. The regular abuse of alcohol was a little off putting and made me high school teacher heart quite sad. In the end though you just want the best for Aimee and for Sutter. I would have liked to see another ending (I really am a romantic at heart) but the ending that was presented was probably best! Definitely check this one out! 


Happy Reading, Sugars
       Jaime 

     

Random Thoughts...

Have you ever felt randomly antsy? I mean the kind of antsy that lasts not for a few hours but for days? I am currently in an antsy phase! Why they need to tell you this? It's more of the disclaimer than anything! The post you are getting ready to read is antsy... and a tad random! I feel that it conveys my life at this moment. So, without further adieu...

First, I am linking up with Kelly's Korner for your FAVE tailgating recipe! Who doesn't LOVE a good tailgate! I may be tarred and feathered for saying this but sometimes I love the tailgating more than the actual game... gasp! I know! I frequently volunteer to bring dessert to our little football soirees! My absolute fave to bring is cinnamon roll cake! People just go hog wild for it and it's perfect for fall!

Recipe Here...

Now, onto confessions...

A Blonde Ambition 

1. We are almost a month into the new school year... HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? WOW

2. I am SSSOOO ready for Fall! I need boots, sweaters, and of course PUMPKINS!!!

3. I am really needed a new book series to get into! I started The Uglies by Scott Westerfield and I think it might be the one!!! 

4. I am GIDDY that my Little is getting married next weekend! The cupcake dress was picked up Wednesday and I am pumped to get this party started!!!

5. I may or may not LOVE Miley Cyrus' new song wrecking ball. (I know... I am ready for the judgement)

Here is a sample of what I was been listening to lately for...

I Wore Yoga Pants to Work

(Yes, I am fully aware of my musical ADD! Haha!)

Have a WONDERFUL weekend, Loves!!

                          Jaime

Twenty Boy Summer- Sarah Ockler

Book Details: 

• Pages: 320 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Release date: May 1, 2010

Book Summary:"Don't worry, Anna. I'll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it."

"Okay." "Promise me? Promise you won't say anything?" "Don't worry." I laughed. "It's our secret, right?" According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy every day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago. Beautifully written and emotionally honest, this is a debut novel that explores what it truly means to love someone and what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every single moment this world has to offer.

My Thoughts:
I LOVED this book. It was absolutely heartbreaking. I mean ugly cry, put the book down because you can't read from all the tears heartbreaking. It's also beautiful! I have lost a few people that when they passed it shattered my world for a while. This book takes you back to that moment and lets you heal again! This is the perfect summer read because of all the beach time but it would be wonderful ANYTIME!!! 

And now for a little booty moving... 

I Wore Yoga Pants to Work! 

Happy Reading, Sugars

Jaime 

Rodan + Fields

I am veering a little from my usual topic of books today! I want to share an AWESOME opportunity  that I have been afforded and want to pass on to y'all! I recently became a consultant for Rodan + Fields. It is an anti age skincare company created by the doctors who created Proactiv! First, the products are magnificent! Seriously, they have changed people's lives! Check the products out here! Secondly, the business side! This is what I am SO excited about! People are blowing up in this business! I want to see the people I love prosper too! The reason that the doctors brought this company out of the high end department stores was to create wealth for everyday people! Do me a favor... check out the business side here! If this sparks an interest email me ostatebelle@gmail.com and we'll talk! The doctors are making an announcement next week that is going to CONSUME this market! People are going to go crazy for it and profits are going to double! NOW is the time! If you want more or different for you or your family let talk and get you started!!! 


XOXOXO,
   Jaime 

I almost forgot...

Beautiful Day -Elin Hilderbrand

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books 
• Release Date: June 25, 2013

Book Summary: The Carmichaels and the Grahams have gathered on Nantucket for a wedding. Plans are being made according to the wishes of the bride's late mother, who left behind The Notebook: specific instructions for every detail of her youngest daughter's future nuptials. Everything should be falling into place for the beautiful event--but in reality, things are far from perfect. While the couple-to-be are quite happy, their loved ones find their own lives crumbling. In the days leading up to the wedding, love will be questioned, scandals will arise, and hearts will be broken and healed. Elin Hilderbrand takes readers on a touching journey in BEAUTIFUL DAY--into the heart of marriage, what it means to be faithful, and how we choose to honor our commitments.

My Thoughts: Oh, Miss Elin how I love thee! What a perfect summer read! I was more than excited when I received the email from B&N this Spring that this book was coming out! Beautiful Day had its hooks in me from the get go. I was completely drawn and totally related to the older sister Margo. Full disclosure: I cried on the first page of this book and continued to do so whenever the Momma's notebook was discussed! What a special thing that only a Momma would think to do! I would highly recommend this title! It is a perfect by the pool read!!!

Happy Reading, Sugars


Jaime

Confessional Friday...

A Blonde Ambition 

1. I confess that I am about over this severe weather. ESPECIALLY in late May... Go home Oklahoma Weather... you're drunk.

2. I confess that it is both surreal and scary as all get out that I have less than 10 days left in my twenties. I didn't think it would be quite this difficult.

3. I confess that while watching the Healin' in the Heartland special on Wednesday that I pretty much balled my eyes out the WHOLE time. It was SO special of all those people to come together like that!

4. I confess that I am SUPER excited because today I leave for Disciple, which is the Oklahoma Methodist church camp for Middle school age kids. It is also the place I met my best friend 12 years ago and was called into youth ministry!!!

Hope you have a WONDERFUL weekend! If you think about it say a little prayer for me and the kids. We have bad weather moving in all weekend and ain't nobody got time for that at church camp!


An Oldie but a Goodie for...

I Wore Yoga Pants to Work 

Happy Reading, Sugars

                Jaime 

Paper Towns -John Green

• Pages: 320 pages
• Publisher: Speak
• ISBN-10: 014241493X
• 
  

Book Summary: When Margo Roth Spiegelman beckons Quentin Jacobsen in the middle of the night—dressed like a ninja and plotting an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows her. Margo’s always planned extravagantly, and, until now, she’s always planned solo. After a lifetime of loving Margo from afar, things are finally looking up for Q . . . until day breaks and she has vanished. Always an enigma, Margo has now become a mystery. But there are clues. And they’re for Q.

My Thoughts: Once again I must disclaimer that I am OBSESSED with any work of  John Green, so this may have a slight bias to it! I will say that this work did take me the longest to get into. You weren't really sure where it was going at first. It was SUPER fun to envision yourself doing all the rebel things that Q and Margo do during their night on the town! It completely invokes in you the feelings you had in high school (and sometimes after) of wanting to pay back someone who hurt you. I will say that I LOVED how the different groups in the high school got together for a great cause! All in all I would def recommend this book. It really makes you think and with its ending is kind of heavy but has a wonderful message to it!  

Happy Reading, Sugars

                   Jaime 

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Quirk Books
• ISBN: 1594746036
• Book Summary:
• A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. And a strange collection of very curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. 
  As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children who once lived here - one of whom was his own grandfather - were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a desolate island for good reason.
  And somehow - impossible though it seems - they may still be alive

My Thoughts:

This book was a peculiar one (pun totally intended!). I'll be totally honest I am still not sure what exactly happened in it! Ha! It was a good story and written well it just was hard to follow at certain times. I felt at times VERY troubled by the decisions Jacob was faced with. I think that it is totally worth a read, especially if you like eerie or whimsical stories. 

Happy Reading, Sugars

                  Jaime 

Confessional Friday...

A Blonde Ambition's Confessional Friday

Lets Confess, shall we?

1. I confess that I am not cut out for Read-A-Thons. I literally only finished the book I was currently reading. I was actually REALLY busy that week but when I did have time to read I felt pressured and then couldn't make myself. (I need help...  I know!)

2. I confess that I am SSSOOO happy to be out for Summer! I woke up at 9 today, had a two hour lunch with some former students, and then read this afternoon! I LOVE not having a strict schedule!

3. I confess that I am BLOWN AWAY at the Love that Oklahoma feels from the rest of the US and the World. Monday's events were heart breaking and I hate it but it is a beautiful thing to see a state, country, and a world come together to help each other out! I think it gives us a little glimpse into Heaven! Won't that be wonderful!

4. I confess that I think a lot of people think I am a BIG ol nerd because when I am asked the question," Have any big summer plans?" I may or may not answer," I have a big stack of books that I am SO excited to read!"

I Wore Yoga Pants to Work

And some jams to get this long weekend started...

Stay Safe and Happy Reading, Sugars
                           Jaime 

OklaHOME...

(This picture was found among the rubble last evening. It speaks the truth!)

My heart is heavy today. I can not fathom what my statesmen are going through in Moore. Tornadoes are unfortunately just a part of living in Oklahoma. I think Carrie Underwood put it best last night in a tweet, "You always know what can happen but that doesn't make it any easier when it does." Growing up an Okie you are preached at from your earliest memories on storm safety and precautions. You start drills literally in pre-school. That horrific F5 is ALWAYS in the back of your mind but you never really think it could happen... and then it does... and it takes the lives of beautiful people People who are like you. You both cheer for the Thunder, both have cousins who live in Stigler, or maybe you both attended Oklahoma State. It's surreal. I have, since it happened, fought the urge to get in my car and drive to Moore. I don't know what I would do but be in the way but I want to do SOMETHING! As a teacher hearing the stories of the elementary school is heart-breaking. I saw an interview last night of a man who helped pull a car off a teacher. She was shielding three of her students with her body. All three kids were fine besides some bumps and bruises... she is still in critical condition. I hate that it takes a disaster to remind me and others how much we love each other and how truly blessed we are. Us Okies will be OK  Struggle and heart-ache are nothing new to this Great State! The love and concern from all over our Great Nation is humbling and appreciated. Please Pray for Oklahoma but don't worry... we are Oklahoma Strong! 

Jaime 

The Best of Me -Nicholas Sparks

• Pages: 320 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing 
• Release Date: October 11, 2011
• ISBN-10: 0446547646

Book Summary:  In the spring of 1984, high school students Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole fell deeply, irrevocably in love. Though they were from opposite sides of the tracks, their love for one another seemed to defy the realities of life in the small town of Oriental, North Carolina. But as the summer of their senior year came to a close, unforeseen events would tear the young couple apart, setting them on radically divergent paths.

Now, twenty-five years later, Amanda and Dawson are summoned back to Oriental for the funeral of Tuck Hostetler, the mentor who once gave shelter to their high school romance. Neither has lived the life they imagined . . . and neither can forget the passionate first love that forever changed their lives. As Amanda and Dawson carry out the instructions Tuck left behind for them, they realize that everything they thought they knew -- about Tuck, about themselves, and about the dreams they held dear -- was not as it seemed. Forced to confront painful memories, the two former lovers will discover undeniable truths about the choices they have made. And in the course of a single, searing weekend, they will ask of the living, and the dead: Can love truly rewrite the past?


My Thoughts: I am a HUGE Nicholas Sparks fan. Whenever I hear he is coming out with a new book I immediately stalk all websites and pre-order! To say this book was a disappointment is an understatement. First, It was one that took me awhile to really get involved in. Once I had made my mind up to read it I was sorry. Second, one reads a NS book because you know what will happen. Maybe not EVERYTHING will be perfect but at least people will finally get the love, friendship, respect that they desire. Not in this book. The last part of the book sends you a curve ball that I personally DID NOT even imagine could happen let alone see coming. I was SHOCKED and not in a good way. I would not recommend this book. Alas, there are many more WONDERFUL NS books to choose from. With all the rest... eat your heart out!!


Happy Reading, Sugars

                         Jaime 

Friday Funday!!!

It's that wonderful time of the week again... 

A Blonde Ambition's Confessional Friday

A. I confess that Teacher Appreciation week is fun! I'm a sucker for gifts and extra attention!

B. I confess that I think I might have bit off more than I can chew with this whole Read-a-thon business! I was looking at my calendar for next week and it may be the busiest week I've had all Spring... Que Sera Sera!!!

C. I confess that I am SO obsessed with Mad Men that I might have purchased some beauty items lately that will help me achieve this look...

(I have a vivid imagination!)

D. I confess that I CAN NOT wait to watch this...


E. I confess that I may be more excited that we only have 7 days of school left than the kids, and that is saying A LOT people!!!

And ...
                                                                             

I Wore Yoga Pants to Work's 

Here's a little ditty to start your weekend off right... 

Have a wonderful weekend, Sugars...

                 Jaime 

The Island -Elin Hilderbrand

• Hardcover: 624 pages
• Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books
• Release Date: July 6, 2010
• ISBN-10: 0316085138

Book Summary: Birdie Cousins has thrown herself into the details of her daughter Chess's lavish wedding, from the floating dance floor in her Connecticut back yard to the color of the cocktail napkins. Like any mother of a bride-to-be, she is weathering the storms of excitement and chaos, tears and joy. But Birdie, a woman who prides herself on preparing for every possibility, could never have predicted the late-night phone call from Chess, abruptly announcing that she's cancelled her engagement. It's only the first hint of what will be a summer of upheavals and revelations. Before the dust has even begun to settle, far worse news arrives, sending Chess into a tailspin of despair. Reluctantly taking a break from the first new romance she's embarked on since the recent end of her 30-year marriage, Birdie circles the wagons and enlists the help of her younger daughter Tate and her own sister India. Soon all four are headed for beautiful, rustic Tuckernuck Island, off the coast of Nantucket, where their family has summered for generations. No phones, no television, no grocery store - a place without distractions where they can escape their troubles.But throw sisters, daughters, ex-lovers, and long-kept secrets onto a remote island, and what might sound like a peaceful getaway becomes much more. Before summer has ended, dramatic truths are uncovered, old loves are rekindled, and new loves make themselves known.


My Thoughts: As with all the Elin Hilderbrand books that I have read... this one was AWESOME!!! It's the perfect summer read because of the setting. I MUST visit Nantucket someday. Hilderbrand does an amazing job of making you love the island as much as I assume she does! I want to say this is a book beach read but there is more there than your typical BR. It is an easy read with some high drama moments. Through out this book I caught myself injecting my sister's and my relationship into that of Tate and Chess and also Birdie and India's interactions. The relationship of sisters in one of complication and Elin does a great job in this book showcasing that. She shows how much family can hurt you but also how much their love and presence can heal the worst of heartbreaks. I LOVED the ending!!! I'm a sucker for things working out (maybe not exactly the way you thought they would but for the betterment of all involved).  I would recommend everyone put this on their summer reading list. 



Happy Reading, Sugars

                              Jaime 

Bout of Books Read-A-Thon...

I am SO excited!! It is my first time to particiapte in the Read-A-Thon over at Bout of Books...

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog.

My Goals for the week...

Since this is my first read-a-thon to participate in I am not sure how ambitious I should be in my goals! Since I don't want to get to big for my britches I am going to aim low and learn from the experience! 

Goal 1: I plan to read 4 of the following 7 books...

The Dinner -Herman Koch

Let it Snow -John Green

Speak -Laurie Halse Anderson

The Silver Lining Playbook -Matthew Quick

Tumbleweeds -Leila Meacham

City of Bones -Cassandra Clare

Knights of the Hill Country -Tim Tharp

Goal 2: I would like to find some awesome new blogs and connect with some awesome bloggers! 

I will be posting updates everyday and what I am going to call "mini reviews," or the overall like-ability of the book and a quick synopsis!  

I am SO excited for Monday!!!! YAY!!!

Happy Reading, Sugars

              Jaime